Our Approach:

Stage One

The therapeutic process begins with quiet, reflective observation of the horses in order to raise the child’s awareness of the horse as a prey animal and as a member of a complex, social herd.  The horse is presented as a sentient, feeling being that has a rich, non-verbal communication system and is worthy of deep respect, empathy and consideration.

By initially focusing exclusively on the horse, we create a non- threatening environment for children to begin exploring core social/emotional concepts (see Power Tools for Living ) and simple self regulation techniques such as centered breathing and sensory awareness of the natural world. A serene, almost reverent environment is created where deep respect is the only rule. We use this early stage of the process to reduce client anxiety, to build trust and rapport, to further our assessment of the child’s needs, and to gauge their level of understanding of the concepts being introduced. It provides the template for all further interactions between the clients, staff, horses and the environment.  Parental involvement at this stage is primarily observational.

We have developed a unique 5 step activity called “The Approach” that respectfully and safely facilitates the child’s first physical connection with the horse. It serves the additional purpose of carefully transitioning the child from a total focus on the horse to include a raised awareness of the self and the surrounding environment. It later serves as the bridge through which we help the child and parent develop the empathy, respect and impulse control they will need to strengthen their relationship. Once this important contact with the horse is made, we utilize the subsequent interactions between child and horse to slowly increase the child’s awareness of self at all levels of functioning – mind, body, and emotions. The role of the parent begins to transition from observer to that of supporter.